25 The Changes of the Forest 2

Following their meeting with the Terror Hawk at the strange shrine, Elizabeth, Taurion, and Lester quickly began to survey the forest. Every monster they encountered spoke Standard Vopalan, and to their initial surprise, all the monsters seemed to treat them with a high degree of respect. The monsters all referred to Elizabeth as a Saint and called Taurion and Lester Emissaries.

Among the many things they saw was that the monsters seemed to be split into various different factions. From the few conversations that Elizabeth managed to have with the monsters, they appear to have set up their own society. Split into various tribes centred around a single chieftain. These tribes aren't split on a matter of species though. Elizabeth couldn't seem to figure out how the tribes were split, but Taurion offered a couple of idea's, such as conquest or territory, but they weren't certain.

Other than the various tribes that are fighting for hegemony over the Sea of Trees, there are also a few solitary monsters still roaming on their own. Based on testimony from the monsters that Elizabeth spoke with, these single roaming monsters exhibit unusual abilities. Aside from the few solitary monsters, the only other monsters to show such abilities are the two Armourdillo chieftains of the Armour tribe, the only tribe to have two equal rulers.

With the sun setting, having decided they've seen enough, Elizabeth makes her way back to Astur's house while Taurion and Lester tag along, intending to seek answers from Astur. Crossing the reservoir to the small island, in the area where the mushrooms grow, they come to see Astur giving orders to a handful of monkeys and otters, directing them on how to harvest the mushrooms and bring them to her house. Off to the side, Elizabeth can see a couple of the monkeys and otters with cigarettes in their mouths, presumably on a break as they soon swap places with the others doing the fieldwork.

As Elizabeth and the others walk over to Astur, Elizabeth asks while clearing the smoke away from her face, "why did you teach them how to smoke?"

"And why is that, of all the possible things that could have come out of your mouth, the first thing you ask?" Astur asks.

"Wouldn't a better question be, is the change in the monsters your fault?" Lester asks.

"Hmm… probably. From what I understand, it's a result of throwing around potions everywhere. Seems like it massively increased the intelligence of the monsters. I had a feeling this was the case a while back, but I never felt like looking into the matter. Nonetheless, it's a slightly surprising change but a welcome one. Being revered as a Goddess is quite nice and the monsters listen to whatever I have to say and do what I want with no questions asked."

"Is it all right to be calling yourself a Goddess? I'm no pious believer, but this kind of thing could get you in trouble with the Church of Light. Then again, you probably don't care," Taurion says.

"Not like I'm really lying about my identity, but that isn't important. What will you two do about this?" Astur asks.

"I'm going to be honest, from what I've seen, just the local militia isn't enough to do anything to the Sea of Trees in its current state. With the current assumed strength of the monsters, it would probably take a full military operation if the Kingdom were to do anything about the monsters. I'm sure there will be some people pushing for extermination once they hear about this," Lester says.

"I agree. If nothing is done, there is likely to be some dissatisfaction. Especially amongst some of the people in the two nearby towns, Dawn and Hadrow. Hunters won't be able to do their jobs and lumberjacks will be at significant risk," Taurion explains.

"My current opinion is that you do nothing. Personally, I am rather enjoying the feeling of having a bunch of people do my bidding, even if they're a bunch of animals," Astur says.

"Hold up you guys! Why are you just ignoring what she said before!? That Astur isn't necessarily lying about being a Goddess!" Elizabeth yells.

"I mean, we've gotten used to the way she acts at this point. I'm surprised you're even reacting to it, considering you spend the most time with her. If she doesn't want to say or explain something, no amount of prying will get Astur to change her mind," Lester says.

"Indeed. I will admit to being curious, but if Miss Astur isn't willing to say anything then there is little point to trying," Taurion says.

Heaving out a sigh, Elizabeth nods and says, "that's right, I should have known better.

Or so the three of them say, but they all simultaneously look towards Astur with a curious and pleading gaze.

"I don't really mind telling since it isn't a big deal. But giving out my personal information for free like that would be boring so let's do it this way. Choose, information on me or the forest," Astur says.

For a moment, Taurion and Lester had a hopeful expression, but once they heard the latter half of what Astur said, they simply shook their heads. They both know that information on the forest is a more important matter, and getting it from Astur would make their future investigations much easier. But before either of them can say they want information on the forest, Elizabeth breaks the silence.

"I want to know about you. I can learn about the forest whenever I feel like it," Elizabeth says.

"Haha, we were too slow my good brother," Lester laughs, not caring for the outcome.

Elizabeth quickly notices that she had jumped the gun for a moment as she looks toward Taurion apologetically.

"Is it too late to change my mind?" Elizabeth asks.

"Too~ late. And your reward is this, I'm a natural born Demigod, that's it," Astur says. Turning her attention back to the monkeys and otters, "Oh, put that basket by my front door," Astur says, pointing towards her door.

"That's all we're going to get from you, isn't it?" Taurion asks.

"Yep. I've still got some things to teach these guys. It's getting late, so if you're staying the night I have some camping gear around somewhere," Astur says as she walks away.

"Wait, we can't stay inside your house?" Taurion asks.

"Not that you can't, but you better pay up. Hmm… 5,000 VD per person and cash only. Or you can take the tents for free," Astur says, leaving the three of them alone.

"So what do you want to do, Taurion?" Lester asks, looking up as the moon begins to reveal itself.

"It's late, we can just take the tents. We don't have much cash on hand nor would I want to pay such an outrageous price," Taurion says.

"I'm deeply sorry for earlier, Taurion, Lester. I messed up your chance at learning about the forest. To make it up, I'll be doing my own investigation over the next few days and I'll share it with you," Elizabeth says as she bows towards Taurion and Lester.

"Can I ask you to help guide the team that will be coming to the forest in a week as well? Your help would be much appreciated. With your presence, I don't think the monsters will attack any of the investigation team members unprovoked," Taurion says.

"Of course, this won't be a problem. If you'd like, you can accompany me during my own investigation as well, if you have the time that is. Anyways, I'll go and get the tents for you guys," Elizabeth says, running into the house.

For a brief moment, Taurion was excited, having the chance to spend some more time with Elizabeth, but reality quickly set in as he remembered that he still has some things he needs to take care of in regards to the incoming investigation team that is being formed.

Seeing his sworn brother's expressions quickly swap from one of delight to sadness, Lester says, "don't worry about the investigation team. I'll take care of it. Tomorrow, I'll report the situation, you can go and enjoy yourself for a couple of days. Just don't spend too much time fooling around. Who knows what Astur will do to you if you dirty her."

At first, Taurion was grateful for Lester's assistance, but upon hearing his last sentence, he smacked Lester over the head, "you idiot! Just what do you think we're going to be doing!" Taurion then lowers his voice, "but thanks for covering my duties."

"No problem, just be ready for when I tell your father that you're slacking off because you went skirt chasing… wait, knowing him, he might not actually mind."